Dynamo COO Chris Canetti Named Among Sports Business Journal's Forty Under 40

HOUSTON, TX (Thursday, March 11, 2010) -- Houston Dynamo Chief Operating Officer Chris Canetti has been named one of the Sports Business Journal's Forty Under 40 for 2010, the Dynamo announced today.

Canetti, 39, has helped the Dynamo be successful both on the field and off the field since moving to Houston during the 2006 season. He oversees all aspects of the Dynamo business and works with head coach Dominic Kinnear on soccer operations. In 2008, he was honored with Major League Soccer's Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year award as the league's best executive.

"The Houston Dynamo are a model club in MLS," league commissioner Don Garber said. "From the time they arrived in Houston, they have been successful on and off the field. Chris has worked hard to make the club relevant and deeply connected in the community. He has a great combination of vision, creativity, and persistence that really resonates with ownership, his staff, and players. I truly believe he is one of the best young pro team executives in the sports business."

Houston has been one of the league's most successful franchises in its four years, winning back-to-back MLS Cup championships in 2006 and 2007, finishing first or tied for first in the Western Conference in 2008 and 2009, and representing the United States in four consecutive regional championship tournaments from 2007-09.

"As COO of the Dynamo, Chris has done a wonderful job building a solid platform for the team's business," Dynamo President / General Manager Oliver Luck said. "Since his arrival in 2006, he has been instrumental in our success on and off the field. We are very proud to see his hard work and that of our entire staff recognized with this award."

Off the field, Canetti has helped the Dynamo lead MLS in average playoff attendance over the past four years and rank fourth in league attendance in 2009. The Dynamo showed growth in attendance and sponsorship revenue in 2009 despite the country's economic recession. Canetti has also overseen the launch of Dynamo Charities and the success of the Dynamo Youth Development System, which has seen two players be promoted to the first team.

The Dynamo will kick off their MLS season on March 27, with their home opener at Robertson Stadium scheduled for April 1 against defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake. Tickets for Dynamo games and the 2010 MLS All-Star Game are available via Dynamo season ticket packages and mini plans at HoustonDynamo.com or by calling (713) 276-7500.

The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer franchise that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first four seasons and represented the United States in four consecutive regional championships. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.